Device and method for filling tanks

ABSTRACT

Device and method for filling pressurized-gas tanks, comprising a fluid transfer circuit provided with an upstream end intended to be connected to a source of gas and at least two parallel downstream ends intended to be connected to distinct tanks that are to be filled, the transfer circuit comprising a temperature regulating member for regulating the temperature of the gas transferred from the source towards the downstream ends, the gas temperature regulating member being positioned in the transfer circuit upstream of the at least two downstream ends, which means to say that the gas temperature regulating member is common to the at least two downstream ends, characterized in that the at least two downstream ends of the circuit each comprise a respective control member for controlling the flow rate and/or the pressure of the transferred gas and configured to control the flow rate and/or the pressure in each of the downstream ends independently.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/919,752, filed Jul. 2, 2020, which claims thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a) and (b) to French patentapplication No. FR 1 907 365, filed Jul. 3, 2019, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device and a method for filling tanks.

The invention relates more particularly to a device for fillingpressurized-gas tanks, particularly vehicle hydrogen tanks, comprising afluid transfer circuit provided with an upstream end intended to beconnected to a source of gas and at least two parallel downstream endsintended to be connected to distinct tanks that are to be filled, thetransfer circuit comprising a temperature regulating member forregulating the temperature of the gas transferred from the sourcetowards the downstream ends, the gas temperature regulating member beingpositioned in the transfer circuit upstream of the at least twodownstream ends, which means to say that the gas temperature regulatingmember is common to the at least two downstream ends.

Related Art

In order to fill pressurized gaseous hydrogen tanks quickly, it isgenerally necessary to pre-cool the gas in order to avoid overheating ofthe filled tank.

Existing devices or service stations are generally small in size andhave one or two filling points each equipped with its own coolingdevice.

The increase in the capacity of the stations and in the number offilling points therefore multiplies the number of cooling devices.

In addition, this pre-cooling of the hydrogen prior to filling is verydemanding. The gas flow that is to be cooled may have a highly variableflow rate (0.5-1.6 kg/min for example) with highly variable inlettemperatures (ambient temperature, −20° C. to 40° C.). Furthermore, thegreater the Joule-Thomson heating effect, the more this high-pressuregas supplied by the gas source expands.

In known installations, the hydrogen is conveyed first of all towardsthe distributors. It is then expanded to the required pressure at thedistributor. Cooling is then performed via an exchanger inside thedistributor in order to be able to neutralize the Joule-Thomson heatingeffect. Each distributor must therefore be fitted with an exchanger andwith a connection to the cooling system. For high-capacity servicestations, this cooling system increases the cost and the complexity ofthe installation.

Document EP0933583A2 describes a tank filling installation comprising acommunal upstream cooling system for the simultaneous filling of severalcylinders. This design does not allow the filling to be adapted to suitdifferent tanks which may for example have different structuralcharacteristics and/or different starting pressures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the present invention is to alleviate all or some of theabove-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

To this end, the device according to the invention, in other respects inaccordance with the generic definition thereof given by the abovepreamble, is essentially characterized in that the at least twodownstream ends of the circuit each comprise a respective member forcontrolling the flow rate and/or the pressure of the transferred gas andconfigured to control the flow rate and/or the pressure in each of thedownstream ends independently.

Moreover, embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of thefollowing features:

-   -   the member for controlling the flow rate and/or the pressure for        each downstream end comprises a controlled pressure-control        and/or flow rate-control valve, the filling device comprising an        electronic controller configured to control the said valves,    -   the controller is configured to control the said valves        according to one or more quick-fill algorithms establishing        identical or distinct respective rates of pressure increase in        the said tanks,    -   the device comprises, in each downstream end, a temperature        sensor that measures the temperature of the gas, the said        sensors being connected to the controller,    -   the temperature sensors are positioned downstream of the        respective flow rate-control and/or pressure-control members,    -   the controller is configured to control the flow rate-control        and/or pressure-control member for each downstream end as a        function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor        for the said downstream end,    -   the controller is configured to increase the rate of filling of        a tank connected to a downstream end when the temperature        measured by the sensor for measuring the temperature for the        said end drops, and to decrease the rate of filling of a tank        connected to a downstream end when the temperature measured by        the temperature sensor for the said end rises,    -   the device comprises a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of        gas in each of the downstream ends, the said flowmeters being        connected to the controller, the controller being configured to        control the flow rate-control and/or pressure-control member for        each end as a function of the flow rate measured by the said        flowmeter for the said downstream end,    -   the controller is configured to calculate a mean temperature of        the quantity of gas transferred in each downstream end on the        basis of the measurements from the temperature sensor and from        the flowmeter, the controller being configured to control the        flow rate-control and/or pressure-control member for each end as        a function of this mean temperature of the quantity of gas        transferred, notably so as to increase the rate of filling of a        tank connected to a downstream end when the mean temperature of        the quantity of gas transferred drops and to decrease the rate        of filling of a tank connected to a downstream end when this        mean temperature of the quantity of gas transferred rises,    -   the controller is configured to control the flow rate-control        and/or pressure-control member using feedback control,    -   the transfer circuit comprises, between the upstream end and the        downstream ends, a portion comprising at least two parallel        distinct pipes, the said parallel pipes each comprising a        respective gas temperature regulating member, the parallel pipes        each comprising a first end intended to be connected to the        source and a second end connected to each of the downstream ends        of the circuit via a set of respective valves,    -   the device comprises a source comprising one or more        pressurized-gas stores connected in series and/or in parallel to        the upstream end of the circuit,    -   the source comprises at least two sets of fluid at different        temperatures, the gas temperature regulating member comprising a        mixer configured to mix fluid from the at least two sets in        order to achieve a determined temperature,    -   the device comprises a source comprising at least one        liquefied-gas store, the gas temperature regulating member        comprises a portion of the transfer circuit which is duplicated,        having two parallel branches one of which comprises an exchanger        for warming the fluid, the temperature regulating device further        comprising a set of valves configured to dictate the        distribution of the fluid coming from the liquefied-gas store        into the two parallel branches so as to regulate the temperature        of the mixture of fluid downstream of the temperature regulating        member,    -   the gas temperature regulating member comprises a heat exchanger        providing an exchange of heat between the gas of the circuit and        a cold source such as a cooling fluid,    -   the temperature regulating member is controlled in such a way as        to cool the pressurized gas to a determined temperature that is        a function of the rate of filling imposed by the gas flow        rate-control and/or gas pressure-control member(s),    -   with the source comprising one or more pressurized-gas stores        connected in series and/or in parallel to the upstream end of        the circuit, the temperature regulating member is controlled in        such a way as to cool the pressurized gas to a determined        temperature that is a function of the pressure differential        between, on the one hand, the high pressure of the gas supplied        by a pressurized-gas store during a gas transfer and, on the        other hand, the low pressure of the tank that is to be filled,    -   the temperature regulating member is controlled in such a way as        to cool the pressurized gas to a determined temperature        ensuring, downstream of the flow rate-control and/or        pressure-control member(s), a gas temperature comprised between        −25° C. and −40° C., notably between −17.5° C. and −40° C.

The invention also relates to a method for filling severalpressurized-gas tanks, particularly vehicle hydrogen tanks, via a devicecomprising a fluid transfer circuit equipped with an upstream endconnected to at least one gas source and at least two paralleldownstream ends intended to be connected to distinct tanks, the methodcomprising a step of cooling the gas transferred from the source towardsthe downstream ends in the one same communal temperature regulatingmember, the method comprising a step of transferring gas into distincttanks connected to respective downstream ends, the flow rate and/or thepressure of the gas transferred into the tanks being controlledindependently via distinct respective regulating members situated in thedownstream ends.

The invention can also relate to any alternative device or methodcomprising any combination of the features above or below within thescope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other specifics and advantages will become apparent from reading thefollowing description given with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic and partial view illustrating one example of thestructure and operation of a filling device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic and partial view illustrating another example ofthe structure and operation of a filling device according to theinvention,

FIG. 3 is a schematic and partial view illustrating another example ofthe structure and operation of a filling device according to theinvention,

FIG. 4 depicts the characteristic curves of one example of fillingaccording to the prior art,

FIG. 5 depicts the characteristic curves of one example of fillingaccording to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic and partial view illustrating another example ofthe structure and operation of a filling device according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The pressurized-gas tank filling device 1 depicted schematically in[FIG. 1] may notably be a filling station for filling vehicle hydrogentanks 7.

This device conventionally comprises a fluid transfer circuit 8 equippedwith an upstream end connected to at least one source 2 of pressurizedgas (preferably at least two sources) and at least two paralleldownstream ends 6, 16, 26 which are intended to be connected to distincttanks 7 that are to be filled (distribution hoses fitted with nozzleguns or equivalent for example).

The transfer circuit 8 comprises a temperature regulating member 9 forregulating the temperature of the gas transferred from the source 2towards the downstream end or ends. This temperature regulating member 9is designed in particular to bring the gas transferred to a determinedtemperature as detailed hereinafter. In particular, the regulatingmember 9 may be configured in such a way as to cool the gas from thesource 2 (when the gas from the source is at a higher temperature thanthe determined temperature) and/or to warm the gas (when the gas fromthe source is at a temperature lower than the determined temperature).

The gas temperature regulating member 9 is positioned in the transfercircuit 8 upstream of the at least two downstream ends 6, 16, 26. Whatthat means to say is that the gas temperature regulating member 9 iscommon to several of the downstream ends 6, 16, 26. Thus, the gastransferred in each of the downstream ends to the tanks 7 being filled(simultaneously or not) has been temperature-regulated by the one samecommunal member 9.

In addition, the downstream ends 6, 16, 26 of the transfer circuit 8each comprise a respective control member 15 for controlling the flowrate and/or the pressure of the transferred gas and configured tocontrol the flow rate and/or the pressure in each of the downstream ends6, 16, 26 independently.

That allows the cooling of several distributors to be performedcommunally while at the same time allowing fillings to be carried outwhich are optimized for distinct situations by performing an expansionor regulation of the flow rate of the high-pressure gas cooled upstream.

The member 15 for controlling the flow rate and/or the pressure of eachdownstream end 6, 16, 26 may for example comprise a controlled valve 15for controlling the pressure or any other suitable member that makes itpossible to regulate a flow rate and/or a pressure downstream. Thefilling device 1 preferably comprises an electronic controller 17configured to control the said valves 15 or equivalent. The controller17 may comprise a computer or a set of microprocessor(s) or any othersuitable data storage and data processing electronic device able tocontrol at least the valves 15.

The controller 7 may notably be configured (programmed) to control thesaid valves 15 according to one or more quick-fill algorithmsestablishing identical or distinct respective rates of pressure increasein the said tanks being filled.

For preference, a temperature sensor 18 is provided in each downstreamend 6, 16, 26 to measure the temperature of the gas, the said sensors 18being connected to the controller 17. For preference, the temperaturesensors 18 are positioned downstream of the respective flow rate-controland/or pressure-control members 15, so as to measure the temperature ofthe gas after expansion/flow rate regulation, just before it istransferred into a tank 7.

In particular, the controller 17 may advantageously be configured tocontrol the flow rate-control and/or pressure-control member 15 for eachdownstream end 6, 16, 26 as a function of the temperature measured bythe temperature sensor 18 for the said downstream end 6, 16, 26.

For example, the controller 17 may be configured to increase the rate offilling of a tank 7 connected to a downstream end when the temperaturemeasured by the sensor 18 for measuring the temperature for the said end6, 16, 26 drops, and to decrease the rate of filling of a tank connectedto a downstream end when the temperature measured by the temperaturesensor 18 for the said end 6, 16, 26 rises.

For preference, the device comprises a flowmeter 19 for measuring theflow rate of gas in each of the downstream ends 6, 16, 26 (cf. [FIG.2]), the said flowmeters 19 being connected to the controller 17, andthe controller 17 is configured to control the flow rate-control and/orpressure-control member 15 for each end as a function of the flow ratemeasured by the said flowmeter 19 for the said downstream end 6, 16, 26.For example, the controller 17 is configured to calculate a meantemperature of the quantity of gas transferred into each tank 7connected to a downstream end 6, 16, 26 on the basis of the measurementsfrom the temperature sensor 18 and from the flowmeter (19). Thecontroller 17 may be configured to control the flow rate-control and/orpressure-control member 15 for each end as a function of this meantemperature of the quantity of gas transferred, notably so as toincrease the rate of filling of a tank connected to a downstream endwhen the mean temperature of the quantity of gas transferred drops andto decrease the rate of filling of a tank connected to a downstream endwhen this mean temperature of the quantity of gas transferred rises. Forpreference, the controller 17 does not regulate the temperatureregulating member 9 (the member 9 is preferably independent).

The flowmeter 19 is not restricted to a member that directly measuresthe flow rate of gas in the circuit. As an alternative or incombination, this flow rate may be calculated using known measures frommeasurements of pressure and temperature in the circuit and/or in thetank that is to be filled, notably downstream of each regulating valve15.

The controller 17 may in particular be configured to control the flowrate-control and/or pressure-control member 15 using feedback control.

Thus, the device 1 therefore cools the gas upstream in the circuit 8 atthe service station, making it possible to make the cooling partcommunal to the various distributors 6, 16, 26 downstream. Bycontrolling the filling flow rate independently for each of the ends 6,16, 26 downstream (preferably in real-time and with feedback control asa function of the temperature of the gas at the distributor), the devicemakes it possible independently to compensate for the fluctuations intemperature through Joule-Thomson effect with pressure variations thatare specific to each distributor. This arrangement makes it possible toavoid overheating of the tanks 7 that are to be filled.

Thus, the device 1 provides cooling of the gas at high pressure (namelybefore it is expanded in each distributor 6, 16, 26). As explainedabove, this regulated temperature can be chosen and calculated as afunction of at least one of the following:

-   -   the desired rate of filling    -   the anticipated Joule-Thomson effect upon expansion (dependent        on the pressure levels of the tanks 7 that are to be filled),    -   the known heat losses along the lines.

The number of pressure (cascade) levels available to the service stationhas an impact on the level of expansion. The more pressure levels thatare available, the less need there will be for expansion downstream. Forexample, if two pressure levels (for example 450 bar and 900 bar) areavailable, at a temperature difference of 0-20° C., the regulatedtemperature will be regulated between −45° C. and −40° C. If, on theother hand, there are three different pressure levels (for example 300bar, 600 bar, 900 bar) available, the temperature difference may becomprised between 0-14° C. and the temperature may be regulated between−35° C. and −40° C.

For example, for a service station 1 in which hydrogen is stored in twobuffer stores at respective pressure levels of 450 bar and 900 bar in asource 2, the Joule-Thomson effect leads to heating of the order of 0 to20° C. in the case of hydrogen. In order to have, on average, a gastemperature of −33° C. at the downstream outlet from the distributors 6,16, 26, the hydrogen needs to be cooled upstream to a temperaturetypically comprised between −45° C. and −40° C. prior to its expansion.

This temperature may differ for the different pressure levels in thestation.

As seen in [FIG. 6], the source may comprise at least two sets of fluidat different temperatures. In other words, there are two sources 2 offluid at different temperatures. Also, the gas temperature regulatingmember 9 comprises a mixer configured to mix fluid from the at least twosets in order to achieve a determined temperature.

In the example of [FIG. 2], the gas source comprises a gas store 3 (forexample several gas containers in parallel containing gas at a pressure,notably at a pressure comprised between 50 and 500 bar). Downstream inthe transfer circuit 8 a first compressor 22 allows a first buffer store4 to be filled (for example at a pressure in comprised between 200 and700 bar), Downstream of the first buffer store 4, a second compressor 23may be provided to fill a second buffer store 5 at a higher pressure(for example at a pressure comprised between 500 and 900 bar).

The hydrogen coming from the source 2 may thus be compressed by one ormore compressors 22, 23 so that it can be stored in buffer stores atdifferent pressures with a view to transferring gas into the tanks 7 bysuccessive (cascaded) pressure equalization operations. Thus, the bufferstores 4, 5 can be connected in parallel (and in series) to each of thedownstream ends 6, 16, 26 of the transfer circuit 8. A cooling exchanger10 is provided to cool the gas leaving each buffer store 4, 5 before itis fed to the downstream ends 6, 16, 26.

As illustrated, the heat exchanger 10 may be an exchanger providing anexchange of heat between the gas of the circuit 8 and a cold source 21such as a cooling fluid which may or may not circulate in a loop. Thegas temperature regulating member 9 may thus comprise or consist of thisheat exchanger 10.

As illustrated, the transfer circuit 8 preferably comprises, between theupstream end and the downstream ends 6, 16, 26, a portion comprising atleast two distinct parallel pipes 28. The said parallel pipes 28 eachcomprise a respective gas temperature regulating member 9 (coolingexchanger 10 in this example). These two parallel pipes are connectedupstream respectively to the outlet of the two buffer stores 4, 5. Thesetwo parallel pipes 28 are connected downstream, via a set of valves 27,to all the downstream ends 6, 16, 26 of the distribution circuit 8.

Thus, the downstream ends 6, 16, 26 are connected in parallel to each ofthe two parallel pipes 28 of the circuit. In this way, a tank 7connected to a downstream end 6, 16, 26 can be supplied with gas fromone or other (or both) buffer store(s) 4, 5 with, in each instance,communal upstream cooling 9, 10 (in this example there are two bufferstores, but there could be three or more of these).

These valves 27 make it possible to select the cooled hydrogen comingfrom the source 2 that has the most suitable pressure level for fillingthe tank 7.

For example, hydrogen may be withdrawn from the so-calledmedium-pressure line (upper pipe 28 in [FIG. 1]) if the pressuredemanded is below this pressure in the corresponding medium-pressurebuffer store 4. This hydrogen can then be expanded downstream in thevalve 15 down to the required pressure. Because of the Joule-Thomsoneffect, the expanded hydrogen will have a in temperature preferablycomprised between −40° C. and −25° C.

As indicated schematically by the discontinuous lines, all thecomponents of the transfer circuit 8 as far as the temperatureregulating member(s) 9, 10 may form part of an upstream entity or“upstream station”.

Likewise, all the components downstream of the temperature regulatingmember(s) 9 may form part of a downstream distribution entity(accessible to the users), Between these two entities, the cooled gastransfer line or lines may be thermally insulated and/or cooled.

In the example of [FIG. 3], the source 2 comprises a liquefied-gas store20 which, via respective valves or pumps 14, supplies two parallel pipes28 each one comprising a respective gas temperature regulating member 9.As before, these two parallel pipes 28 are connected downstream, via aset of valves 27, respectively to all the downstream ends 6, 16, 26 ofthe distribution circuit 8.

In addition, a cross pipe 24 (fitted with an optional valve 29) may beprovided for transferring fluid from one pipe 28 to the other upstreamof the gas temperature regulating members 9.

Downstream of the pump 14 and upstream of the respective temperatureregulating member 9, each pipe 28 may comprise an optional valve 29.What that means to say is that the pipe 24 and the valves 25 and 29 canbe omitted.

The gas temperature regulating member 9 may comprise a portion of thetransfer circuit 8 which is duplicated, having two parallel branches oneof which comprises an exchanger 11 for warming the fluid. Thetemperature regulating member 9 further comprises a set of valves 12, 13which is configured to control the distribution of the fluid coming fromthe liquefied-gas store 20 into the two parallel branches so as toregulate the temperature of the fluid to a determined temperature. Whatthat means to say is that the pressurized fluid is distributed betweenthe warming exchanger 11 and a bypass portion bypassing this exchanger11 so as to regulate its temperature downstream. This gas at a desiredtemperature may supply a respective buffer store 12′, 13′ and/or thedownstream pipe leading towards the downstream distribution ends 6, 16,26.

Thus, liquid hydrogen can be withdrawn (pumped) from the liquid store 2then stored in the buffer stores 12′, 13′ at different pressures (atambient temperature or kept cold at a controlled temperature).

Hydrogen at a determined temperature may thus be obtained in a way knownper se by mixing cold hydrogen coming directly from the pump 14 withwarmer hydrogen coming from the buffer stores 12′, 13′.

More generally, temperature regulation may be achieved by performingsuitable mixing between relatively warm hydrogen and relatively coldhydrogen. The relatively warm hydrogen may for example come frompressurized-gas buffer store(s) and/or from a cold source via a warmingoperation (using a heat exchanger for example). The colder hydrogen mayfor example come from a cryogenic liquid source and/or from a source offluid that is warmer but cooled by a cooling system (cooled by means ofa cold fluid such as liquid nitrogen for example). Any other type ofsuitable temperature regulation may be envisaged.

As illustrated, a temperature sensor 30 may be positioned in each pipe28 downstream of the buffer store 12′, 13′ and of the temperatureregulating member 9.

In the examples above, two buffer stores are anticipated. Of course, asan alternative, one or more than two buffer stores may be anticipated(notably three). These buffer stores may be filled with gas at differentpressure levels. During a filling of (a) tank(s) 7, hydrogen iswithdrawn preferably from the buffer store or stores that are at thenearest higher pressure level to the tank 7 that is to be filled. Whenthe pressures between this first buffer store and the tank 7 that is tobe filled are equalized (when the pressure and/or flow rate differentialis below a threshold value), the device 1 then uses another buffer store(change of pressure bank) and so on.

This makes it possible to minimize the heating through Joule-Thomsoneffect. The high-pressure gas is cooled at the upstream station thenconveyed to the distributor (downstream ends 6, 16, 26) where it isexpanded in the distributor (valve(s) 15) before being delivered to thereceiving tank(s).

It should be noted that this cascading gas transfer may be supplementedand/or substituted and/or replaced by at least one other pressuresource, such as a compressor for example.

The architecture therefore allows a combination of cascaded filling,communal upstream cooling prior to expansion/regulation, while at thesame time allowing control of the filling in each downstream end. Forpreference, the pressure in each downstream end 6, 16, 26 is controlledvia a quick-fill algorithm. For example, the controller controls theexpansion valves 15 according to the so-called “MC” fill method asdescribed notably in document US2011259469A. The calculation of the rateof fill can therefore be based on this mean temperature according totheoretical or empirical equations, notably those described by the MCmethod or the fill protocol of standard SAE J2601.

As before, control over the rate of fill in the tank 7 is preferablyachieved via a pressure ramp at the corresponding valve 15 (valve of thePCV “Pressure Control Valve” type for example). This control over therate of fill downstream may be achieved dynamically as a function of themeasurement 18 of the actual temperature of the gas at the downstreamdistributor. At any moment, the temperature at the distributor 6, 16, 26can be measured. A mean temperature weighted by the delivered mass canbe calculated. This makes it possible to estimate the amount of energyintroduced into the filled tank 7 and the extent to which this tank 7 isheated. The rate of fill (pressure ramp) can be controlled usingfeedback control as a function of this mean temperature at thedistributor. Filling is accelerated when this mean temperature is low,and vice versa.

As an alternative or in combination, control over the rate of filldownstream may be achieved dynamically as a function of the temperatureof the tank and/or of the temperature of the gas in the tank. Thistemperature may be communicated by the tank 7 to the controller and/ormay be estimated by the controller as a function of other parameters asdescribed for example in the results published by the European“HyTransfer” Project (cf. notably the document entitled “Pre-NormativeResearch for Thermodynamic Optimization of Fast Hydrogen Transfer” fromthe Hytransfer project(https://www.fch.europa.eu/project/pre-normative-research-thermodynamic-optimization-fast-hydrogen-transfer)).

The device and method described hereinabove make it possible to simplifythe structure or operation of large-capacity service stations byminimizing the number of connections between the upstream part of thestation and the downstream distributors.

The device 1 also makes it possible to limit the number, cost andcomplexity of the cooling components, particularly for service stationsthat have a liquefied-gas source where a mixture of cold and hot isdifficult to achieve.

The architecture makes it possible to improve the modular nature of thestation. Specifically, it is possible easily to add one or moredistributors without changing the overall upstream architecture of thecircuit.

The bulkiness of the distributors downstream is also reduced.

Compared with conventional filling, the filling proposed can be moreirregular but achieve the same filling time without exact control overthe temperature of the expanded fluid downstream.

Characteristic curves, as a function of time, of the parameters measuredat the downstream end: P, the pressure (reflecting the pressure in thetank 7); Q, the gas flow rate; and T, the temperature, can be found in[FIG. 4] and [FIG. 5], for one example of filling a tank, according tothe prior art, and according to the invention, respectively.

As visible in [FIG. 4], the rise in pressure P is linear, thetemperature T of the gas in the distributor is substantially constantwhereas the flow rate Q increases before decreasing.

In the example according to the invention in [FIG. 5], the rise inpressure P is less linear, the variation in flow rate Q more irregular,and the temperature T of the gas in the downstream end experiences adiscontinuity at the moment of the change in buffer store duringcascading.

Thus, according to the invention, the temperature of the filling gas canbe relatively lower before the change in pressure bank (for examplearound 200-400 bar). This leads to a high rate of filling at thesepressures where the flow rate of filling is the greatest. This highfilling flow rate compensates for the phases after the change inpressure bank where the rate drops because of the high temperature atthe distributor.

Thus, advantageously the station can integrate a source of liquid gas(hydrogen). It can be interesting to produce cold by a mixture ofcryogenic gas with hotter gas (ambient temperature for example) througha temperature control device.

In a first possibility of integration, the same valve(s) perform(s) bothtemperature control and pressure ramp control (e.g. quantity of gas perunit of time) of the gas transferred to the tank to be filled.

In this case, it may be necessary to provide a set of valves andinterconnecting piping for each end to be connected to a tank.

According on a possible particularity (in combination or independentlyof the above aspects), at least two buffer tanks intended for separatelines may be used for the same filling line. If two (or more) buffertanks are at the same pressure (e.g. one buffer tank has a pressure ofup to 180 bar and another is at this pressure), these buffer tanks maybe used in parallel. Their respective valves open simultaneously and thetanks remain interconnected.

This prevents too big pressure difference and limits the number of valveopenings and closures in the life of the components. This makes longerthe service life of the components. Electronic control is alsosimplified. The performance of the station is improved.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intendedto embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fallwithin the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The presentinvention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of theelements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element notdisclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such asfirst and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and notin a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilledin the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.

The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means thesubsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing i.e.anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scopeof “comprising.” “Comprising” is defined herein as necessarilyencompassing the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentiallyof” and “consisting of”; “comprising” may therefore be replaced by“consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” and remain within theexpressly defined scope of “comprising”.

“Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, maltingavailable, or preparing something. The step may be performed by anyactor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.

Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event orcircumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instanceswhere the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does notoccur.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value,and/or to about another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from theone particular value and/or to the other particular value, along withall combinations within said range.

All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated byreference into this application in their entireties, as well as for thespecific information for which each is cited.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for filling pressurized-gas tanks,comprising an electronic controller and a fluid transfer circuit thatcomprises an upstream end intended to be connected to a source of gasand at least two parallel downstream ends adapted and configured to beconnected to distinct tanks that are to be filled, wherein: the transfercircuit further comprises a temperature regulating member for regulatinga temperature of the gas that is transferred from the source towards thedownstream ends; the gas temperature regulating member is positioned inthe transfer circuit upstream of the at least two downstream ends suchthat the gas temperature regulating member is common to the at least twodownstream ends; each of the at least two downstream ends of the circuitcomprises a respective pressure-control and/or flow rate-control valvethat is adapted to independently control a pressure or flow rate of thetransferred gas in a respective one of the downstream ends; and theelectronic controller is adapted and configured to control each of saidpressure-control and/or flow rate-control valve according to one or morequick-fill algorithms establishing identical or distinct respectiverates of pressure increase in the said tanks.
 2. The device of claim 1,further comprising, in each downstream end, a temperature sensorconnected to the controller that is adapted and configured to measure atemperature of the transferred gas.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereineach temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the respectivepressure-control and/or flow rate-control valve.
 4. The device of claim2, wherein the controller is further adapted and configured to controlthe pressure-control and/or flow rate-control valve for each downstreamend as a function of the temperature measured by the respectivetemperature sensor for the respective downstream end.
 5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the controller is further adapted and configured to:increase a rate of filling of a tank connected to first one of thedownstream ends when the temperature measured by the sensor formeasuring the temperature for the first one of said ends drops, and todecrease a rate of filling of the tank connected to the first one of thedownstream end when the temperature measured by the temperature sensorfor the first one of said ends rises; and increase a rate of filling ofa tank connected to second one of the downstream ends when thetemperature measured by the sensor for measuring the temperature for thesecond one of said ends drops, and to decrease a rate of filling of thetank connected to the second one of the downstream end when thetemperature measured by the temperature sensor for the second one ofsaid ends rises.
 6. The device of claim 3, further comprising and atleast two flowmeters each one of which is adapted and configured formeasuring a flow rate of gas in a respective one of the downstream ends,wherein each of the flowmeters is connected to the controller and thecontroller is further adapted and configured to control thepressure-control and/or flow rate-control valve as a function of theflow rate measured by the said flowmeter for the respective one of thedownstream ends.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the controller isfurther adapted and configured to: calculate a mean temperature of aquantity of gas transferred in each downstream end on a basis of themeasurements from a respective one of the temperature sensors and from arespective one of the flowmeters; and control the pressure-controland/or flow rate-control valve for each end as a function of thecalculated mean temperature so as to increase a rate of filling of atank connected to a respective one of the downstream ends when thecalculated mean temperature drops and to decrease the rate of filling ofthe tank connected to the respective one of the downstream ends when thecalculated mean temperature rises.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein thecontroller is further adapted and configured to control thepressure-control and/or flow rate-control valve using feedback control.9. The device of claim 1, wherein the transfer circuit furthercomprises, between the upstream end and the downstream ends, a portioncomprising at least two parallel distinct pipes, the said parallel pipeseach comprising a respective gas temperature regulating member, each ofthe parallel pipes comprising a first end adapted and configured to beconnected to the source and a second end that is connected to each ofthe downstream ends of the circuit via a respective set of valves. 10.The device of claim 1, further comprising a source comprising one ormore pressurized-gas stores connected in series and/or in parallel tothe upstream end of the circuit.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein oneor more pressurized-gas stores are connected in parallel to the upstreamend of the circuit and at least two of the storage tanks are intended tosupply respectively distinct ones of the downstream ends by default butcan be mutualized for a same downstream end.
 12. The device of claim 1,wherein the source comprises at least two sets of fluid at differenttemperatures and the gas temperature regulating member comprises a mixeradapted and configured to mix fluids at different temperatures from theat least two sets in order to achieve a determined temperature.
 13. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a source comprising at least oneliquefied-gas store, wherein: The transfer circuit further comprises twoparallel branches, the two parallel branches being the gas temperatureregulating member; one of the two parallel branches comprises anexchanger adapted and configured to warming a fluid from the at leastone liquefied-gas store; the temperature regulating device furthercomprises a set of valves adapted and configured to dictate adistribution of the fluid coming from the liquefied-gas store into thetwo parallel branches so as to regulate a temperature of a mixture offluid downstream of the temperature regulating member.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the set of valves is further adapted and configured toperform regulation of both temperature and a rate of pressure rise insaid tanks so as to provide pressure ramp regulation of the gas beingtransferred.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the gas temperatureregulating member comprises a heat exchanger performing an exchange ofheat between the gas being transferred by the circuit and a cold source.16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device for filling is for fillingvehicle hydrogen tanks.
 17. A method for filling several pressurized-gastanks using the device of claim 1, comprising the steps of: transferringgas, with the fluid transfer circuit, into distinct tanks connected torespective downstream ends; independently controlling a flow rate and/ora pressure of the gas transferred into the tanks via thepressure-control and/or flow rate-control valves; and using theelectronic controller to control each of said pressure-control and/orflow rate-control valve according to the one or more quick-fillalgorithms establishing identical or distinct respective rates ofpressure increase in the said tanks.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe pressurized-gas tanks are vehicle hydrogen tanks.